A taxi driver was left with a broken jaw after two passengers launched a brutal attack over a fare row.

The driver, 36, also suffered bruising to his face and body after the attack, which was caught on CCTV.

The assault on July 20 happened on Rochdale Road, Harpurhey at around 4.45am.

Det Const Ania Ostafijczuk said: “These men were responsible for a totally unprovoked, sustained and brutal attack on a taxi driver who was simply trying to earn a living.

“They set upon this driver like a pack of wild animals, leaving him with a broken jaw and numerous other injuries that needed hospital treatment, and all for £30. It is a desperate, not to mention violent, act and we need to find the culprits.”

He added: “It is imperative we find these men because we need to send a message to taxi drivers operating across Manchester, in particular this victim, that drivers should not be subjected to any sort of violence when picking up passengers and anyone guilty of this sort of contemptible offence faces prison.”

The driver picked up two passengers from outside Dixy Chicken and they paid him £5 to go to Blackley.

But the driver told them the fare to Blackley was more, and refused to go further than Queens Road.

He then agreed to take them to Alfred Street, but when he pulled up and they all got out, one passenger launched an unprovoked attack.

He punched the taxi driver in the head and face, pushing him to the floor.

Then, as the diver lay on the ground, both men continued to punch and kick him in the head before stealing £30 from the cab’s cash dispenser.

They ran off towards Factory Lane, leaving their victim on the ground.

The driver was taken to hospital for a broken jaw, a sore, bruised and swollen nose, swollen lips and scratches and bruises to his head.

Police have released two CCTV stills of the men in the hope someone will come forward. They are also appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault - or saw the men get into the silver Volkswagen mini bus.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 6808 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.